Reedsburg Area Medical Center, Reedsburg, 2020 Community Benefit

RAMC Supports Fitness Focus in Newly Renamed “Wellness Park”

In 2019, under the advisement of Reedsburg Area Medical Center (RAMC), the City of Reedsburg began installing pieces of fitness equipment along the paved walking path in (then) North Park. In January 2020, RAMC petitioned the city to rename it “Wellness Park” due to improvements that emphasize physical activity for all ages, The council unanimously agreed to the name change. 
Wellness Park is located directly behind Reedsburg Area Medical Center and is an ideal place to install the equipment because it is accessible to people in all walks of life. Parents can exercise while watching their children play in the park, and benches are provided for those who need to rest while making their way around the walking path. RAMC Physical Therapist Jennifer Schneider assisted the city in choosing the most appropriate exercise equipment. Pieces that have already been installed include a multi-gym, an elliptical, a leg press, and a chest press machine. The multi-gym is used for exercises such as box jumps, dips, and pull-ups. More equipment will be available in 2020 and 2021.
Besides RAMC, several other area businesses and community organizations have donated towards the fitness equipment installation project. Wellness Park has also received a makeover with 16 new trees and new benches provided with donations from the Reedsburg Rotary Club. There is also a basketball court, playground equipment, and a picnic shelter in the center of the park.
“Our goal with the park is promoting physical fitness and making it accessible to the community at large,” Schneider said. “The equipment can be used by anyone during park hours, seven days per week. The park is conveniently located near residential walking areas, senior housing complexes, schools, and the medical center campus. And it can be used absolutely free of charge.” 
RAMC is considering using the park space and equipment to hold fitness classes for youth and employees during the warmer months. Hosting community fitness classes and events may also be an option in the near future.